Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
North Hill
Papa WestrayOpenSee opening timesExplore a magical maritime heathland, studded with delicate wildflowers and home to Puffins, Arctic Terns and seals. Wild and unforgiving, this stretch of the Orkney coast is stunning.
About
There's nowhere quite like Papa Westray. Studded with delicate wildflowers, North Hill is perhaps Orkney's finest area of maritime heath. The reserve is home to an extremely rare plant, the Scottish Primrose, while stunning low-level cliffs play host to nationally important numbers of breeding Arctic Terns and Skuas.
The low-lying cliffs along the reserve's east coast hold a small, but densely packed colony of Guillemots, Razorbills, Shags and Kittiwakes. Look out for Puffins and Black Guillemots around the coast.
Visit between May and July to look closely for the tiny precious purple blooms of Scottish Primrose. These rare flowers are found in just a few locations in Orkney and North Scotland.
If you are exploring this wildlife landscape yourself, please keep to the trail along the coast.
At a glance
2 spaces. Spaces situated at the reserve entrance. No height restriction. No lighting. We have a car park. The parking is less than 50 metres from the main entrance. Parking is free. There is a drop-off point at the main entrance. The drop-off point does not have a dropped kerb. There is limited parking at the reserve entrance gate for one or two cars. Please note that the ferry to the island from Kirkwall is not a roll on-roll off service, so any vehicles are lifted on and off the ferry by crane.
Accessible facilities are available in the Papa Westray Hostel, 1.6 miles (2.6km) from the reserve.
No toilets on the reserve. Baby changing facility at Beltane Hostel.
Two trails - both on rough grass paths with several stiles. No seating. Viewing points Accessed by steep track.
Two trails - both on rough grass paths with several stiles. No seating. Viewing points Accessed by steep track.
No toilets on the reserve. Standard single sex facilities are available in the Papa Westray Hostel, 1.6 miles (2.6km) from the reserve, and in the Kelp Store, 2.1 miles (3.4km) from the reserve.
Barbecue
Barbecue
This nature reserve is important for wildlife. RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) and when cattle are grazing on the reserve, we would ask that you keep your dog close to you, preferably on a short lead and please clean up after your dog.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact North Hill
orkney@rspb.org.uk North Hill, Papa, Orkney Islands, KW17 2BU 01856 850176